The Watoto Children’s Choir is on a six-month mission throughout the United States to change all that.

Starting locally Jan. 23, the choir, made up of 22 children ages 7 through 14, will bring their angelic voices and emotional stories of perseverance to several local cities including Upland, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles, South Pasadena, Moreno Valley and Victorville. The concerts are free and open to the public.

“People will come and hear the children sing and be able to talk to the children,” said Robert Sendegeya, the choir leader. “Each of these children has a story to tell, and people will be able to hear those stories from the children.”

An overwhelming number of the choir members come from Uganda and have lost at least one parent, said Sendegeya. They come to live in Watoto Children’s Villages where they receive food, shelter, education and general care.

Through music, song, dance and face-to-face interaction, the choir’s mission is to raise awareness of the dire situation these chilidren are in, with hopes to gain worldwide support and sponsorship.

“Through the choir’s ‘Concert of Hope,’ we share a message of transformation by telling the story of Africa’s rescued orphans and women,” said Watoto founder Gary Skinner.

Uganda’s people deal with poverty and HIV/AIDS on epidemic proportions and, according to UNICEF, more than 20,000 children have been abducted and forced to serve as Ugandan soldiers. Watoto hopes to save the country’s children through holistic care, intervention, education and sponsorship.

“Come to see a concert. Come and talk to the children. You will be moved by their stories,” Sendegeya said. “Hear their message and help us in transforming many lives.”

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